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For up-to-date information on North Carolina licenses, regulations and other wildlife resources, please visit the agency’s website NCWildlife.org.
BREVARD, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2011) –The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education will host a presentation on drift boats from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 16. The presenter is retired Western Carolina University Engineering and Technology Prof. Robert Dalley, a drift boat designer, builder and fisherman. He has been featured on the “Bob Caldwell Outdoors” segment of WLOS-TV news and recognized for his fishing expertise in Sports Illustrated magazine.
Drift boats, also known as McKenzie boats, are specialized fishing vessels powered by oars with a specialized shape, adept for maneuvering down mountain rivers.
Participants will learn about oar selection, anchor systems and anchoring selection, hull materials and design and view the video, “A Smoky Mountain Drift Boat Adventure.” The program will cover design elements that make drift boats safer on the water and discuss how to handle whitewater situations. Prof. Dalley will explain ferrying and safe operation in an on-the-water demonstration.
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission regional learning and visitor facility, with free programming for children and adults on wildlife topics, including aquatic habitats, fly fishing, and fly tying. Located in the Pisgah National Forest next to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, the center is open year-round, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
For directions, program schedules and additional information, go to Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education or call 828-877-4423.